Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $180
Budget/Beginner
$300
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
For musicians and producers who demand precision without breaking the bank, the JBL LSR305 studio monitors offer an impressive blend of accuracy and affordability. These active monitors are engineered with Image Control Waveguide technology, ensuring your mix's stereo image is both wide and deep. The 5" woofer and 1" dome tweeter work in harmony to deliver crisp highs and robust lows, making them ideal for any genre. Whether you're mixing at high volumes or keeping things quiet, the LSR305 maintains clarity and detail, allowing you to make confident decisions.
The LSR305 is equipped with XLR and TRS inputs for easy integration into any studio setup, providing versatility whether you're using a mixer, an interface, or direct connections. With its modern design and reliable performance, this monitor not only enhances your auditory experience but also fits seamlessly into your creative space.
Key Features:
- Delivers precise sound with a 5" woofer and 1" dome tweeter
- Image Control Waveguide for enhanced stereo imaging
- Wide frequency response suitable for all music genres
- XLR and TRS inputs for versatile connectivity
- Maintains sound clarity at various volume levels
Product specs
| Brand | JBL |
| Model | LSR305 2-Way Active Studio Monitors (Pair) |
| Finish | Black, Red |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Studio Monitors |
| Amplification | Active |
| Electronics | Analog, Solid State |
FAQs
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What are the key features of the JBL LSR305 studio monitors?
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The JBL LSR305 studio monitors feature a two-way active design with a 5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter, offering a wide frequency response and detailed sound. They include JBL's Image Control Waveguide for precise imaging and a broad sweet spot, making them ideal for accurate mixing and mastering.
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Are JBL LSR305 monitors suitable for a small home studio?
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Yes, the JBL LSR305 monitors are well-suited for small home studios due to their compact size and ability to deliver clear, detailed sound even at lower volumes. Their balanced frequency response helps ensure accurate audio representation in limited spaces.
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What type of inputs do the JBL LSR305 monitors have?
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The JBL LSR305 monitors are equipped with balanced XLR and TRS inputs, allowing for flexible connectivity with a variety of audio interfaces and mixing consoles. This ensures compatibility with most studio setups.
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How does the JBL LSR305 compare to the LSR308 in terms of sound?
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The JBL LSR305 offers a detailed sound with a slightly less extended low-end compared to the LSR308, which has a larger woofer for deeper bass response. The LSR305 is ideal for smaller spaces where a compact monitor is needed without sacrificing audio quality.
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Can the JBL LSR305 be used for mixing and mastering?
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Yes, the JBL LSR305 monitors are designed for critical listening tasks such as mixing and mastering, thanks to their accurate frequency response and precise imaging. They provide a flat response that helps in making informed decisions during the production process.
Videos
Z Reviews
Z Review - JBL LSR305 Powered Monitors
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent clarity across frequencies, from low end to high
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Surprisingly good bass response for their size
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Great value for money, especially for entry-level or home studios
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Effective stereo imaging and depth perception in sound
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Solid build quality, consistent with JBL's reputation
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Bi-amplified design enhances audio fidelity
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Suitable for a variety of uses, not just studio work
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Minimal ear fatigue after prolonged use
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Magnetically shielded, reducing interference with other equipment
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Balanced XLR and ¼” TRS Inputs for versatility
CONS
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Some users find the bass lacking compared to larger or more expensive monitors
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A few reports of resonance issues around ~200hz
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Lack of built-in EQ can limit fine-tuning capabilities
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Very bright LED power indicators can be distracting in dark environments
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Self noise present, noticeable to some users in quiet settings
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Bass cutoff around 50Hz, might need a subwoofer for full range
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about JBL LSR305.
Comparisons
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Kali LP6, designed by former JBL engineers, offers potentially better accuracy but at a higher price and larger size, with similar hiss issues reported.
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Mackie MR524s are noted for their quiet operation at low volumes, in contrast to the JBL LSR305s which have a persistent hiss noticed by some users.
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Mackie MR5 monitors are suggested for those seeking less hiss due to their use of class AB amplifiers for the tweeter.
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Some users prefer 6" woofer monitors for a balanced bass response, but acknowledge the LSR305's value at lower prices.
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Use cases and applications
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The JBL LSR305 is favored for its sound signature and stereo imaging at low volumes, making it suitable for desktop and casual listening setups.
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The 305p's performance measurement is highly praised for nearfield or small room setups, but the hiss may deter some users.
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Ideal for close-range listening setups, such as desktop use, with potential for light movie duty and future subwoofer integration.
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Build quality
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A user exchanged Mackie MR524s multiple times due to quality control issues, such as back plastic peeling and cone rub, highlighting potential QC concerns.
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User experience
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Owners report that the JBL LSR305s produce noticeable hiss when no sound is playing and the user is closer than 1 foot from the speakers.
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Some owners note a persistent "hiss" from the speakers, attributed to EMI/RFI interference in the power supply affecting the tweeter amp.
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Owners appreciate their performance relative to cost, stating they can compete with higher-priced models in sound quality.
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Setup and maintenance
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Using a 1/8" to RCA adapter with the JBL LSR305s can result in unbalanced connections, potentially increasing the hiss when used with certain interfaces.
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Features and functionality
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The JBL LSR305 has a treble spike at 15kHz, contributing to a tinny sound, but also offers a balanced sound for both studio monitoring and casual listening.
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The newer 305p MkII lacks the +2dB bass boost option found in the older LSR305, which may affect low-end response in certain room setups.
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These monitors deliver good sound quality, but lack powerful bass, making them less suitable for high-volume, bass-heavy applications without additional equipment.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 38 Reviews and 157 Ratings
236
Pricepoint + Waveguide
Great monitors for the cost. They crush the comparable KRK Rokit's in my opinion. Waveguide really works as described and gives the sound an immersive quality that is difficult to beat in this class.
64
jbl lsr305
Bi-amplified Studio Monitor with Magnetically-Shielded 5” Low Frequency Transducer and 1” Soft-Dome High Frequency Transducer and Image Control Wave Guide. ... Balanced XLR and ¼” TRS Inputs with Detented Level Control, HF and LF Trim Controls. ... LSR305/230 Includes international Power .
64
Great buy
Low price for high quality monitors, Always clear sound, nice lows, when set up properly. Though, next time I'd shell out for the 8"
2532
They made the cut in this Top 5 list.
I've always been a fan of JBL monitors myself.
1539
Amazing monitors!
I had a pair of KRK Rokit 5's (2nd gen) before I upgraded to these. Same price, but at least 3x the quality. Simply phenomenal clarity and accuracy for speakers at this price.
very good monitors for small setups
Best value for entry level monitors. Recommended, specially for small rooms in which bigger monitors may pose more problems than solutions
60
Main Nearfields
Everything I hear comes out of these. Way happier than I was with my KRKs except for their self noise, which is noticeable (but not annoying).
106
Awesome studio monitors for a great price.
Really flat which is great if you are using them to listen to your amp modellers/profilers or even you amp along with a load box. They sound great in any volume stage and their frequencies are more than enough for the average guitar player. Definately can be used for recordings, mix-master songs, etc.
530
Wow
I actually replaced my KRK V6 monitors with these little bad boys. I love them!!!!! Great bottom end for such a small monitor. Helps me keep the mud out of my mix. I LOVE them!
Artist usage
Add artist
At several points in the video (eg. 7:49) we can see Logic was using these monitors throughout the listening tour.
Recommended from personal experience in this September 18, 2017 FAQ Mondays episode at 3:51.
What are the best budget studio monitors?
I am asked this question a lot more than other questions. Constantly, despite me answering it many times. In my opinion, the best budget studio monitors are the JBL LSR series. Those are so good sounding for so little money and they're often going on sale, like, these crazy sales. The LSR305s, like, I've seen them for like $100 apiece, so 200 bucks'll get ya into some decent sounding monitors. I mean, I was mixing Rob Scallon's earlier stuff, like when we did "Metal in Inappropriate Places" and things like that, I mixed those on LSR305s. So, and it was only later that I upgraded to 308s but, initially I was mixing a lot of his nine-string stuff, Slayo [sic] banjo song, you know, all that stuff on JBL LSR305s and they served me really well. So, I highly, highly recommend you getting a hold of some of those. (...) The Yamahas or the JBLs always went out for me over just about any other brand because they're so consistent and just so damn good sounding.
In an Instagram video posted on September 28, 2016, Austin Mahone is seen using the JBL LSR305 Two-Way Active Studio Monitors in his studio setup.
Album Usage
The JBL LSR305 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use JBL LSR305, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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